Ion Conductive Phytic Acid-G Quadruplex Hydrogel as Electrolyte for Flexible Electrochromic Device

Abstract

Self-healing and thermo-reversible hydrogels derived from pristine biomolecules with potential ionic conductivity represent a promising class of functional and flexible materials for a range of applications such as bioelectronics, energy storage, and wearable and implantable devices. Herein, spontaneous formation of an ion conductive hydrogel through the reversible non-covalent interaction of pristine biomolecules, phytic acid and guanosine-5'-monophosphate in aqueous medium is reported that shows excellent self-healing and thermo-reversible properties. The phytic acid biomolecule induces effective cross-linking of the highly ordered G-tetrad leading to gelation. The homogeneous and mechanically strong hydrogel is used as a gel electrolyte for flexible electrochromic devices taking advantage of the high ionic conductivity. The biocompatibility, robustness, good conductivity and multifunctional applicability of phytic acid induced G-quadruplex hydrogel, makes it a prospective material for environmental and bioelectronics applications. © 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH